Emmeline Pankhurst by Charlotte Newson

Project details

Charlotte Newson was commissioned to deliver the first public artwork in Manchester to celebrate Emmeline Pankhurst, international icon and famous Suffragette. BCL was appointed to move the photo mosaic from the Rates Hall at Manchester Town Hall to the UKFast Campus for a special event marking the symbolic nature of Emmeline and her influence on Women’s Rights.

The portrait was a daunting prospect measuring 2.5m tall and 1.8m wide, mounted on a solid wooden frame. The process started with removing the portrait out the wooden stand, then carefully taking the digital print off the solid wood frame and export wrapping each individual element. The crew were issued white cotton gloves to avoid spoiling the art with fingerprints.

Once wrapped the portrait was loaded onto a designated vehicle and taken to the UKFast Campus. The portrait was taken to the first floor where the event was due to take place. Once in position the crew carefully unwrapped the portrait, reattached the print onto the wooden frame and placed it back in the stand.

After the event had taken place BCL were then instructed to reverse the process and safely take the portrait back to its original position in the Rates Hall.

When managing something so unique, and in many ways priceless, it is important to ensure the crew are well prepared and have the time and tools to take great care of the item.

Charlotte was extremely happy with the whole process and thanked the crew for all their hard work.